Arsenal's Per Mertesacker hopeful of 'important' top-three finish

The German defender is keen to keep his team-mates' minds firmly on the job in hand as they look to ensure they qualify for the group stages of the Champions League without the need for a fourth qualifying round playoff.

The Premier League's top four go into the following year's Champions League with the lowest-placed side facing a two-legged playoff against a rival club to make the group stages.

VISION: Mertesacker is eyeing a top-three finish [GETTY]

“You could feel the disappointment in the dressing room last night”

Per Mertesacker

And it's something Mertesacker is desperate to avoid.

Mertesacker said: "We are still positive. We still have a good level of confidence so we are looking forward to the remaining games.

"It is very important [finishing in the top three] when you look at the schedule so we try to really avoid that.